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The Rhode Island Foundation is sending high school seniors from Barrington, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Providence and West Warwick off to college with Carter Roger Williams Scholarships, which honor the spirit of the state’s founding father. The awards are worth up to $400,000 over four years.

“A door to a world of opportunities just opened for these students. Thanks to the continuing support of the Carter family, we can help these young people turn their hopes about college into a springboard to an even brighter life,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Foundation.

This year’s recipients are Audrey Adams of Barrington, Crystal Gonzalez of Providence, Dessa Molina of East Greenwich, Bronte Terry of Cumberland and Dylan Tupaz of West Warwick. Each student is eligible to receive up to $80,000 over four years.

Audrey Adams will graduate from Barrington High School. While in high school, she was captain of the Debate Team, editor-in-chief of the literary magazine, a leading member of the Gender Equality and Awareness Club, and a student representative on the school’s DEI Committee. She plans to attend the University of Michigan and study sociology with a minor in creative writing.

“I’ve been dreaming about college for as long as I can remember. I look eagerly toward its array of opportunities, from engaging in countless classes at the intersections of my interests to exploring culture and language through studying abroad. I will be able to view the world around me through entirely new angles, each day sparking my intellectual curiosity anew,” she said. “Most importantly, I’ll be surrounded by a network—a community—of students and professors as eager to learn, grow, and inspire as I am.”

In her application, Adams shared how she relates to Roger Williams’ values.

“Roger Williams understood the importance of action. I’ve put forth my own efforts for change from organizing fundraising events for Women’s History Month to participating in protests. I hope to continue my efforts throughout college and beyond because, as Roger Williams demonstrated, there is always more change to be made,” she said.

Crystal Gonzalez of Providence will graduate from the Providence Career and Technical Academy, where she earned a state certification in cosmetology. While in high school, she participated in Young Voices, the Rhode Island Education Talent Search and Skills USA, where she won two gold medals for her work. In college, Gonzalez plans to pursue a program that will enable her to earn a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in social work in just five years.

"As a future social worker, I aim to provide the guidance and support I once needed. The skills and lessons I have learned from overcoming my challenges, along with my academic accomplishments, will be a powerful weapon in successfully helping others overcome their challenges,” she said.

In her application, Gonzalez shared how she relates to Roger Williams’ values.

“One characteristic of Roger Williams that is often overlooked is that he was an immigrant who had to adjust to his new surroundings. Being an immigrant has played a crucial role in how I view the world around me. Many face a lot of hardship and long for the familiarities of home, but I can tell you confidently that most people who come to the United States come because they want to have a better life,” she said.

Dessa Molina will graduate from East Greenwich High School (EGHS), where she was vice president of the Class of 2025, president of the Invest in Girls chapter at EGHS, and the president of the Rhode Island and EGHS Future Business Leaders of America chapters. In addition, Molina created and hosts a financial literacy podcast for young women called “EmpowerHer Wallet” and was an Access to Justice Intern with the Rhode Island Supreme Court. She plans to attend The George Washington University and double major in finance and philosophy with a public affairs focus.

"I remember presenting to the group of adults, wanting to showcase how we could combat the statistic that only 12% of girls graduate feeling confident in their ability to make financial decisions," She said, "When I spoke, I commanded the room with conviction. Each word I articulated resonated with authority and purpose. I committed myself to advocating for others."

In her application, Molina shared how she relates to Roger Williams’ values.

“Roger Williams' commitment to freedom of speech and democratic ideals profoundly resonates with me. He believed in the right to express one’s views openly and in creating a society where diverse opinions could coexist,” she said. “Like Williams, I understand that democracy is more than just voting—it's about being part of an ongoing dialogue, where people can express ideas, challenge each other and push for progress."

Bronte Terry of Cumberland will graduate from the Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy. While there, she was president of the Female Empowerment Club, was inducted into the National Honor Society and served on the Scholar Council. In addition, she was a youth commissioner in the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth and Learning. She plans to attend Holy Cross and study psychology and neuroscience.

“I'm driven to study psychology by my deep desire to break the cycle of generational trauma, particularly for children of color with disabilities or those facing social and systemic disadvantages in our schools. I want to empower these children to achieve social and educational success,” she said. “My goal is to serve communities where accessible, quality and culturally sensitive psychological care is desperately needed. Earning my college degree will get me one step closer to being able to provide similar opportunities and experiences for other underserved children who, like me, deserve better than to be overlooked.”

In her application, Terry shared how she relates to Roger Williams’ values.

“Inspired by role models like Roger Williams, who not only spoke up but followed through with action, I hope to continue the conversation about the struggles in female health, both mental and physical, and work toward making a change,” she said.

Dylan Tupaz of West Warwick will graduate from Bishop Hendricken High School. While at Hendricken, he performed in various bands and school musicals and was a Rhode Island Music Educators Association All-State Percussionist. In addition to receiving the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Book Award and the Bishop Hendricken Percussion Ensemble Award, Tupaz was inducted into various National Honor Societies. He plans to attend Colgate University to pursue engineering and music.

“Many throughout the past few centuries lost the potential to innovate and discover the world around us – seemingly from the struggle of trying to afford college. Yet, because of this scholarship, I’ve been given an opportunity to maximize that very potential,” he said.

In his application, Tupaz shared how he relates to Roger Williams’ values.

“Williams shines alongside history – not just for what he accomplished, but for what he aspired for all within the efforts he made. With many communities becoming ever increasingly divided over differences, perhaps a few individuals can find the strength to change that. I hope to be one of them,” he said.

The Carter Roger Williams scholarships are among $4 million in assistance that was available through the Foundation for the 2025-26 academic year. Hundreds of students will receive help with the cost of tuition, room and board in the fall semester. The Foundation expects to begin taking applications for the 2026-27 academic year in January.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.